Amesbury Company Featured in Top 100 Fastest Growing U.S. Companies of 2000

Amesbury, MA - September, 2000 Asian Atlantic Industries, Inc., an Amesbury-based global independent distributor of computer components, has earned a coveted spot - number 33 - on Entrepreneur Magazine's "Hot 100" List of the Fastest Growing Companies of 2000. AAI, founded in 1998, had sales of $10.95 million in 1999. Currently, that figure well exceeds $25 million, and is expected to reach $40-45 million by year-end, according to Tom Mahoney, the company's president and co-founder. AAI Distribution, a new addition to AAI's umbrella of services, has generated over $8 million in sales since its introduction in May.

"We have taken a "grass roots" approach to cultivating strong alliances with our customer base by providing real-time information and results" Tom says. "It is as simple as giving them what they need, exactly when they need it." AAI's customers are OEM's, or Original Equipment Manufacturers. With day-to-day needs constantly changing at lightning speed in the computer components industry, Tom advises that a critical ingredient to success is providing information and support in 'real-time,' or tracking up-to-the minute facts and figures about what is available in the open market. "Our customers can't afford to lose production time waiting for information about availability of the components they need to buy or sell." Tom has seen instances where a company's entire production line is halted while waiting for a basic part.

This ear-to-the-ground service philosophy, communicated with a personal touch, is the combination that has earned Asian Atlantic Industries "warp speed growth" according to Entrepreneur Magazine. The ranking of 33 is based on measuring AAI's sales growth from inception vs. other companies on the list. In order for a business to be considered, it must meet the following criteria: founder is actively involved in daily operations and controls at least 51 percent of the business; business was founded no earlier than 1997; annual sales exceeded $1 million in 1999; and company meets the SBA definition of a small business.

Asian Atlantic Industries is an independent distributor of integrated circuits, electronic components, and computer peripherals. Founded in 1998 by a management team with 30 years combined industry experience, AAI's main mission is to generate "real time" information that will assist Original Equipment Manufacturers in their purchasing and inventory management decisions. AAI Distribution provides finished systems and options to distributors, value-added resellers, and business end users. AAI is currently exploring potential relocation of its main office to the southern New Hampshire area to support the ongoing growth. For additional information, and to view the article from Entrepreneur Magazine, visit AAI's website at www.aai-inc.com.